Chapter 4276 Treasure and Map
Chapter 4276 Treasure and Map
Chapter 4276 Treasure and Map
"The power of a wizard comes from knowledge, from his understanding of the world."
“This power is objective, reproducible, and unquestionable.” As Angell spoke, he gently raised his right hand, his palm holding up a patch of light: “Take this light spell, for example. It is the most basic magic trick, but it contains the energy essence of the wizarding system.”
"In the Southern Regions, it is called the Light Spell; in the Eastern Border, it is called the Luminous Spell; and in the Northern Territory and the Western Continent, it is called the Bright Spell."
"The names are different and the effects are slightly different, but the basic model that builds this magic trick points to the same principle."
Ingres extended his left hand and constructed a peculiar geometric framework in his palm.
"This is the model for the light spell."
"With just a few modifications or extensions to this model, it's possible..."
Angell gently blew on his left hand.
Several nodes have appeared on the geometric model, and these nodes are automatically connected to the model, just like building blocks with matchsticks.
When the new match was placed on the model, the light spell on the right, which had been emitting a faint white glow, turned into a cold, blue light. The bright and warm feeling brought by the previous radiance was replaced by a cold and desolate atmosphere due to the change in color.
"Look, by making slight changes to the model, we can change the performance of this magic trick."
Then, Angel blew a few more breaths.
The magic model in his left hand kept producing new "little matches," while at the same time, the light magic in his right hand would sometimes turn into straight lines of light, sometimes into rainbow light, sometimes as intense as the sun, and sometimes as cold and still as a ghostly light...
After undergoing numerous changes, Angel finally removed all the small matches, and the model returned to its original form, once again transforming into that shimmering white light.
"In different wizarding worlds, the final model will undergo slight extensions and changes, but the most basic light spell model remains largely unchanged."
"Therefore, as long as the model is built correctly, it will definitely be able to shine."
Angel clenched his right fist, dispelling the light spell; then he raised his left hand, using illusion magic to enlarge the magic model.
"This unchanging, eternal, and most fundamental magic model is an objective truth for the Light Magic!"
Angell pointed to the magnified model simulated by illusion, his voice clear and confident.
Even without uttering a word, you can read it from his expression: Look, this is the truth! It is there, silent and simple, yet it is the beginning of all changes and the foundation of all power.
"It will not be shaken by changes in region, culture, or even application scenario... Even outside the wizarding world, but in the Abyss, the Light spell can still be used through this model."
"In a sense, isn't it the truth rooted in the objective universe?"
"All our subsequent modifications, optimizations, and expansions are like putting different clothes on this 'skeleton of truth'—the clothes may change in countless ways, but the skeleton that supports everything remains the same."
His gaze swept over Kagu, and he could clearly see a hint of surprise and fascination in Kagu's eyes.
Not only the Bone, but also the Imp Master and the Decayer, silently watched the giant model floating in mid-air.
The foundation of the model is so simple, yet it is precisely this that has unlocked the truth of the universe.
Its true meaning can be deciphered across all different dimensions.
Ingres turned around and brought the argument to its core:
"Now, let's make an assumption..."
"What if truth is not so objective, but rather a map that can be 'modified at will'?"
So what will be the result?
With a wave of his hand, Angell caused the stable basic model to suddenly begin to twist and deform, becoming completely unpredictable.
The surrounding light also began to flicker and shrink noticeably, as if it were changing due to the distortion of the model.
"The result is that power will lose its only foundation."
"The effectiveness of this spell today may depend solely on my belief in its effectiveness; its failure tomorrow will simply be due to a wavering of my conviction."
He left the distorted model suspended in the air as a symbol of chaos.
"At that time, the wizarding power system will completely collapse. We will degenerate from scholars who seek the truth into gamblers in a chaotic game that relies on subjective definitions. Knowledge will no longer be power, but will become a personal delusion that cannot be passed down or verified."
Give a simple example.
Wizard A discovered a new model for the fireball spell and published it in a journal. Wizard B from a distant world saw Wizard A's paper in the journal and became interested.
Therefore, Wizard B verified the model through rigorous experiments and finally successfully released the spell.
Next, Wizard B extended the model using some spellcasting gestures, spellcasting tools, and even alien meditation techniques, creating a new effect: a large fireball.
Subsequently, Wizard C and Wizard D modified this new effect, successfully innovating it into: Fireball, Chain Fireball, Scattered Fireball...
This entire process can actually be called: discovering the truth.
Knowledge is cumulative; future generations can stand on the shoulders of their predecessors and reach new heights.
This is the objective existence of "truth".
Now, let's take another example.
It's still Fireball.
Assuming that truth is subjective, the first wizard A "created" the fireball spell not because he discovered some objective law of energy, but simply because his powerful "personal will" determined that flames should burst forth in this way!
Therefore, when Wizard B attempts to learn this spell, he will not be facing a verifiable model, but rather an imitation and speculation of the creator's "personal will".
The key to his release of fireballs was no longer understanding and replicating the objective steps of energy transformation, but whether his "belief" resonated with the originator and whether his "belief" was profound enough.
And what are the consequences of this?
First, the instability of techniques.
Wizard B might successfully cast a fireball today because of his sincerity, but fail tomorrow because of his restlessness.
The effectiveness of the same spell depends entirely on the caster's current mental state.
Secondly, the techniques may not be able to be replicated.
Because the creator's paradigm of will is a blend of their personal experiences, thoughts, and subjective judgments, later generations may not be able to completely replicate this will of the creator.
Even if one forcibly replicates the path of the originator, goes through his journey, ponders his past notes, and approaches his subjective ideas, it may still turn into a poor imitation.
The same novel, with identical text and content, but the protagonist's image is completely different in everyone's eyes.
Moreover, will is a floating concept, not as fixed as in novels, so everyone's views will be even more different.
Therefore, once the originator dies, it is not certain that those who come after him will be able to replicate this technique.
Third, knowledge will become closed off, and may even regress.
If the underlying logic of "truth" is truly so subjective, then the power of every powerful wizard becomes an unrepeatable "black box" dependent on the individual.
Later generations cannot stand on their shoulders, because their "shoulders" are made up of unpredictable will, rather than solid objective foundations.
The entire wizarding civilization is highly likely to become a closed door, where knowledge no longer flows, each faction acts independently, and the quagmire of invention is constantly repeated.
"...or rather, the trap of invention."
As Angell finished speaking, he clenched his fist again, causing the distorted model in the air to disintegrate and turn into specks of light.
After dancing for a moment, these streaks of light eventually transformed into the original, stable geometric model.
"See? That's the difference."
Angell's voice was calm, like that of a scholar guarding the truth, as he said in a completely unwavering tone: "Within the framework of objective truth, knowledge is the ladder of civilization's progress; within the framework of subjective conjecture, power is merely a fleeting illusion of the individual."
"Since the examiner has set this question, he should know that the power of the wizarding system is not a fleeting illusion."
"Perhaps the four wizarding worlds cannot see the clues yet, but what about the Source World?"
"That's where miracles are born!"
If it were merely a fleeting illusion, it would be highly unlikely to give birth to a miraculous birthplace like the Origin World, which continuously generates powerful combat strength.
"Therefore, my conclusion is beyond doubt: truth must be an objective treasure."
"Our maps can be continuously improved, but the goal we pursue is always that one and only eternal place."
"Perhaps I will never find the truth in my lifetime, but even so, I believe that the truth will always exist somewhere in the universe, waiting for us to discover it."
After Angell finished speaking, he gently touched his chest.
As the closing ceremony began, the magic model in the air slowly dissipated.
A moment of silence fell over the air.
No one snapped out of their reverie after Ingres's speech ended; they were all still immersed in the "universe of truth" that Ingres had woven.
After a long while, Kagu slowly came to its senses, but even so, it still felt that it was not enough.
Not only it, but the Imp Master and the Decayer were also affected in a similar way.
Although Ingres's presentation was short, the combination of simple model demonstrations gave them a sense of sudden enlightenment and shock that led them directly to the truth.
The withered one looked at Angell with a sense of emotion in his eyes.
No wonder it was able to save the Prussian civilization.
The general principles were explained using a simple model. There may be flaws, and it may not convince other wizards, but at this moment, Angell's explanation convinced it.
Even the withered ones were persuaded, and Kagu, as a student, was no exception.
After a long period of daze, Kagu sighed softly, "I originally thought I would just follow the teacher's instructions, ask a random question, and go through the motions..."
Its bull eyes were filled with complex emotions: shock, admiration, and a hint of amusement.
"I never expected you to bring out a monument of truth and smash it in front of me, a little bull who just wanted to get a back door." Kagu shook its huge bull head, its tone carrying a sense of relief after being crushed.
"However, that's fine too. It's not that I'm going easy on you, but your argument has made this test itself a trivial footnote."
The little devil host couldn't help but chuckle mischievously from the side.
"See? I knew this guy was no ordinary person!"
It was clearly Kagu who was releasing the sea, but instead a raging tsunami was unleashed, sweeping everyone into the turbulent ocean!
Kagu took a deep breath, temporarily suppressing his emotions. His massive body leaned forward slightly, and his bull-like eyes, like copper bells, stared at Angor: "Such clear and firm logic points directly to the understanding of the cornerstone of the universe."
"May I ask if this is... really your idea?"
Angell turned his head: "Does the examiner want to ask whether my expression just now reflects my true inner stance?"
Kagu nodded.
“I once overheard a wizard discussing truth at the witch’s place, separated by a curtain, and exchanged information about the witch for that.”
"Although I only heard a very small part of it, the wizard's explanation of the truth clearly leaned towards an expanded map rather than a fixed treasure."
"His storytelling was also wonderful, and I still find it fascinating."
"The reason I'm bringing this up again today is twofold: firstly, because you are a wizard, and secondly, because I'm still influenced by what happened back then. To some extent, my stance is still more inclined towards his account."
"But your story today has convinced me and made me switch sides with you."
"However, I can sense that as time goes on, the scales in my heart will likely continue to shift..."
"So, I want to confirm again, are you really on the side of the treasure? Or do you, like me, occasionally waver?"
Upon hearing Kagu's question, Angor did not answer immediately, but instead asked curiously, "The Witch of Resurrection? The examiner refers to Balalaika of the Land of Rest?"
Kagu was taken aback: "You knew about this too?"
Angel nodded: "I have met Ms. Balalexa once."
"Does the examiner remember what that map-based wizard looked like?"
Kagu shook his head: "I have never seen that person, and even his voice was altered because of the curtain... Since you have seen Lady Balalaika, you should know that the curtains in the taverns there isolate and change some sounds."
"This is also to keep the guests' information confidential."
"When I went there that day, perhaps Ms. Balalaika thought there was nothing secret about these contents, so she did not cover them up, but the wizard's voice was still somewhat distorted."
Angell nodded in understanding.
He had previously heard Kagu mention that Balalaika was talking to a wizard, and someone immediately came to mind... Sanders.
That's right, it was his mentor.
Sanders also knew Balalleka and even made deals with her.
Therefore, Angell wondered if it might be Sanders.
Now that Kagu has never seen the other party either, Angor stopped guessing and decided to ask when he returned to the Savage Cave.
Although such coincidences are rare in this world, but... what if they happen?
But if it really is Sanders, then that would be interesting.
His words just now stemmed from a discussion with his mentor, Jon, who was clearly a hidden gem.
If the story that Kagu heard came from Sanders, then Sanders is a map-based figure.
These two were both Angell's mentors, but their stances differed, which is quite interesting...
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